7-Day Germany Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Karlsruhe traveling east to Heidelberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, and Munich

Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights
Select dates
Hotel
Select dates
Car rental
Select dates
Tours & tickets
Select dates
Travel plan
All inclusive app
Travel agent
24/7 fast service

Description

Explore the best of Germany on a 7-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Munich, Waltenhofen, and Hohenschwangau. This road trip itinerary in Germany seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Germany takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Karlsruhe, 1 night in Heidelberg, 1 night in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 1 night in Nuremberg, and 1 night in Munich. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Germany. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.

Upon arriving in Karlsruhe, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Germany on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Germany. Marienplatz and Neuschwanstein Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable English Garden, learn more about the unique Heidelberg Castle, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Nuremberg Castle.

As you hit the open road and drive through Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Munich, Waltenhofen, and Hohenschwangau, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Germany. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Germany.

Throughout your road trip in Germany, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Germany.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Germany fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Germany today!

Read more

Travel details

Set your travel details to find the best price

Flights

Round trip
Round trip
Travel dates

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Compare and choose from the best flights to Karlsruhe

Car

Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options

Driver’s age is 30 - 65
I live in

Itinerary summary

See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize

Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Kaiserstraße
Heidelberg ZooPhilosophers' WayOld Bridge HeidelbergHeidelberger MarktplatzHeidelberg Palace
Gallows GateBlade GateBurggartenMedieval Crime MuseumPlönleinTown Hall
Albrecht Dürer's HouseImperial Castle of NurembergDocumentation Center Nazi Party Rally GroundsNuremberg Zoo
BMW MuseumEnglish GardenMarienplatz
St. ColomanNeuschwanstein CastleMarienbrückeHohenschwangau Castle
Marktplatz

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Day 1

  • Karlsruhe - Arrival day
  • More
  • Kaiserstraße
  • More

Say hello to Karlsruhe! Your exciting road trip through Germany is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Karlsruhe for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Karlsruhe is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Kaiserstraße, a must-see street, and taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Karlsruhe. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Germany. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Karlsruhe, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Hotel Rio Karlsruhe, a popular restaurant in Karlsruhe. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Karlsruhe at Zum Kleinen Ketterer, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Seng Sushi & Chinarestaurant. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Karlsruhe tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Phono Craftbeer Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Electric Eel. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Jean-claude Cocktail Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Germany!

Read more
Day 2

Day 2

  • Karlsruhe
  • Heidelberg
  • More

Drive 67 km, 1 hour 41 min

  • Heidelberg Zoo
  • Philosophers' Way
  • Old Bridge Heidelberg
  • Heidelberger Marktplatz
  • Heidelberg Palace
  • More

On day 2 of your road trip in Germany, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Heidelberg. In the evening, you’ll end up in Heidelberg, where you will stay for 1 night.

Karlsruhe is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a zoo, a hiking area, a historical landmark, a public square, a castle and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the captivating Heidelberg Zoo and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Philosophers’ Way, a romantic hiking area that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Old Bridge Heidelberg, one of the city’s most locally renowned spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the curiosity-inducing Heidelberger Marktplatz. When you're finished at the public square, Heidelberg Castle awaits your visit. This castle is a culturally significant highlight on today's itinerary.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Heidelberg. Heidelberg offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you explore more of Heidelberg, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Strohauer's Café Alt Heidelberg, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Joe Molese 117 - Burgers'n'Sandwiches. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Heidelberg.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Friedrich, Kaffee & Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Sonder Bar (pinte), another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Café Bar Goodfellas also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Germany!

Read more
Day 3

Day 3

  • Heidelberg
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber
  • More

Drive 175 km, 2 hours 31 min

  • Gallows Gate
  • Blade Gate
  • Burggarten
  • Medieval Crime Museum
  • Plönlein
  • Town Hall
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Germany. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Rothenburg ob der Tauber. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Heidelberg is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders! Start at Gallows Gate, an intriguing point of interest that is worthwhile a visit in the town. Continue your exploration at Castle Garden. This park is one of the town’s most beloved spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Heidelberg at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Medieval Crime Museum. After exploring the museum, head to the underrated Plönlein, Wandbrunnen (rothenburg Ob Der Tauber). Lastly, wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Town Hall, a place of respected interest in Heidelberg.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Germany!

Read more
Day 4

Day 4

  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber
  • Nuremberg
  • More

Drive 97 km, 2 hours 11 min

  • Albrecht Dürer's House
  • Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
  • Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds
  • Nuremberg Zoo
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Germany. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Nuremberg. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Nuremberg, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, including a museum, a castle, and a zoo. Start your day at Albrecht Dürer's House. This culturally significant museum is an underrated place to see in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Then, wander over to Nuremberg Castle. If culturally significant sites excite you, this castle will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. This symbolic museum is a favorite among visitors.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Nuremberg Zoo is a beloved spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Nuremberg. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Nuremberg. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Make sure to reserve a table at Restaurant Burgwächter, an iconic dining spot in Nuremberg. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Alte Küch'n & Im Keller, a popular restaurant in Nuremberg. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of NOVINA HOTEL Südwestpark Nürnberg, a hidden gem nestled in Nuremberg. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Irish Castle Pub, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Mata Hari Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Nuremberg. Undecided Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Germany.

Read more
Day 5

Day 5

  • Nuremberg
  • Munich
  • More

Drive 178 km, 2 hours 12 min

  • BMW Museum
  • English Garden
  • Marienplatz
  • More

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Munich. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Munich, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Nuremberg, featuring fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. Start at Bmw Museum, a locally renowned museum in the city. Then, head to English Garden and soak in the ambiance of this romantic park.

There are many interesting places to see in Nuremberg, and when you are ready for more, go to Marienplatz. This is one of the city’s most timeless visually striking spots of interest.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Munich. Munich offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Munich's best restaurants.

Don’t miss out on dining at Little London / Bar & Grill, a top-rated dining destination in Munich. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Ginkgo, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Wirtshaus Zum Straubinger. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Munich this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Garçon, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Zephyr Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Holy Spirit 1 Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Germany.

Read more
Day 6

Day 6

  • Munich
  • Karlsruhe
  • More

Drive 414 km, 5 hours 34 min

  • St. Coloman
  • Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Marienbrücke
  • Hohenschwangau Castle
  • More

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Germany. Today you will explore Waltenhofen and Hohenschwangau, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Karlsruhe. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Start at the beloved St. Coloman, an inviting church in Munich. Next, go to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Hohenschwangau Castle is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Karlsruhe, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Karlsruhe's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at kap, a highly-rated dining destination in Karlsruhe. If you're eager to try something different, consider Enchilada Karlsruhe, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Badisch Brauhaus. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Karlsruhe this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Carlos Cocktailbar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Ubu is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Der Kofferraum - Cocktailbar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Germany and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Read more
Day 7

Day 7

  • Karlsruhe - Departure day
  • More
  • Marktplatz
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Germany is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Karlsruhe before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Marktplatz. This curiosity-inducing public square is a popular place to see in the city.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. Take a break with a cup of coffee or tea while savoring the local vibe in a coffee shop.

Before you conclude your road trip in Germany, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Karlsruhe.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Kaiseki Japan Restaurant Karlsruhe, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, L'Osteria Karlsruhe offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Karlsruhe. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Germany!

Read more

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in Germany

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.